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SpiritWars™


The "Pro" Version of SpiritWars™

What Is The "Pro" Version?
During the original design phase of SpiritWars, research with prospective players rated the trading of spirits (playing pieces) as a key feature. This was further supported during the long beta-test process for the free version of the game. The single feature that seemed to excite most players was the prospect of trading spirits when the member version was completed. Upon release of the member version of the game, however, we found a growing consensus by the vast majority of players that this feature created more playing problems and contributed heavily to an uncompetitive playing environment.

In response to this situation, we introduced what is now known as the "Pro" version of SpiritWars. (This entire discussion is relevant only to the member version of the game. There is no ownership of playing pieces in the free version of the game.)  The Pro version works exactly like the original release of the member version, with one major exception:  players can not trade spirits. Population changes occur only as the result of game play (Fatalities and Victory Migrations) and the normal "activity" migrations (both positive and negative).

For those players who enjoyed the trading aspect of the game, we have retained that feature - but limited it to special "trading" accounts, and even created a separate chat room for players using that version of the game.

A new player account automatically is generated with the standard pro playing account, and any play who desires can request an additional trading account to be established for them. (In effect, players now get two playing options - and membership accounts - for the price of one.)

Why Did We Make This Change?
In spite of the anticipation to the trading feature, when the member version was released, I began to get a very strong and steady message from our most experienced players. Many of these people had been playing the game during the year-long beta process that preceded the game's release.   The consensus was that the game was actually a lot more fun to play before we introduced trading than after.

The whole "fair and level" playing field has been a constant theme throughout my design and development of SpiritWars. It quickly became apparent that trading introduced so many variables and wild-cards that simply impossible to adequately manage. Even with a variety of checks and balances in place to maintain fair play, we also found many people willing to spend extra money in order to manipulate multiple accounts. These behavior patterns also evolved quickly into a variety of negative factors in the playing community. None of us anticipated the fact that losing on purpose, playing with trash dungeons, throwing games or making no real effort to win, would become such a common-place activity.

It is true that the Pro version of the game is a step backwards that removed a "key" feature in the game. However, it was apparent that this was a move that was supported strongly by the vast majority of our playing community.

As always, SpiritWars will continue to evolve and grow - sometimes in unpredictable directions - with an unprecedented opportunity to allow the members of our community to have an active role in the shaping of the future.
How It Works?
The concept is very simple. There is no trading in the "Pro" version. A "Pro" account will get a standard starter population of 200 spirits. Activity Migrations will help get the population up to a minimal level (and help maintain a minimum base population) but in the long-run, the only way you are going to get new spirits is to win them in Victory Migrations.

Pro and regular player accounts will not be able to play one another. When you are logged on using your pro account, you will only be able to play other pro players.

There is no advantage EVER to be gained in losing on purpose. If you don't plan on playing every game to win, no matter the mix of spirits available to you, please don't both signing up for the Pro version.

Even though there is no advantage to be gained from a losing-on-purpose strategy, anyone attempting to do this will find their Pro account deactivated.
Is The Pro Version Harder?
Yes.  If you are easily frustrated, you are probably going to dislike the pro version. If your best pieces are in one color and your energy is another color, you are going to have to improvise.   Play what you have; and do the best you can with the spirits you have.

If you are one of those players convinced that the key to success is having the right combination of pieces, you're going to be unhappy. Without trading, you'll seldom have the luxury of picking the color you play or the pieces you have available.

Yes, there will be a few lucky people who will get lucky and get strong starting populations; and some unlucky ones who get a weak mix of initial spirits. When trading is removed from the mix, however, I know that the over-all balancing features of the game will ensure that talent will prevail over time.

Is that fair?  In the long-run, yes. Over time, the pro version will prove to be a more competitive and balanced played world. In the short term, no it probably won't always be fair. But then, that's your basic life. Some days you eat the bear and other days the bear eats you. Life with it.

-- Randy Chase --


SpiritWars™ is a registered trademark of Kellogg Creek Software.